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Saudi Arabia reveals 170-kilometre-long mirrored skyscraper to house nine million people

"Humanity isn't a guinea pig" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing a video of The Line, a 500-metre-tall, mirror-clad skyscraper that was designed to house nine million people in Saudi Arabia and other top stories.

The linear city, which will be 170 kilometres long and 200 metres wide, was launched by Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and is described as "a revolution in civilization".

The project, which ​​is planned as part of the Neom initiative, has sparked heated debate among readers.

"This proposal is the most ridiculous I've seen in a long time," said Norma Barbacci. "It goes against all environmental design principles, sustainability and basic common sense."

Dr. Bird was not impressed: "It is totally delusional and too abstract," the reader commented. "It is too rigid and anti-climactic – humanity isn't a guinea pig. The Egyptian pyramids survived five thousand years, a glass line city maybe ten years at the most."

Rich_F shared a different point of view. "I can see some benefits," he said but added that there needs to be some "massive analysis" and "maybe even some simulations".

Can you see this project being realised? Join the discussion ›

Kanye West's Yeezy Gap collection launched in bins at Herzog & de Meuron Miami car park
Kanye West's Yeezy Gap collection launched in bins at Herzog & de Meuron Miami car park

"Fastest fashion"

Readers are commenting on Musician Kanye West's latest collaboration with retailer Gap and fashion brand Balenciaga, which was launched at a series of dumpster-style pop-ups launch across the US.

J Hooker was confused: "What is Yeezy?" the reader asked. "Are these some new form of work clothes? They look like what a railroad engineer would wear in the 1800s."

"Fastest fashion," said Zea Newland. "From the factory to the bin on the shortest route possible. The message is priceless."

"Monochrome Squid Games," added Jim Angrabright. "Deff-topian. Fail."

What are your thoughts on the new collection? Join the discussion ›

Ace Hotel Toronto by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects features a suspended lobby
Ace Hotel Toronto by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects features a suspended lobby

"Gorgeous and highly crafted"

Readers are generally impressed with Canada's first Ace Hotel, which is housed in a new building by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects.

"I'd love to see a diagram that explains what's going on here structurally," said Prado Sillinder. "It looks nice!"

"I'm amazed they took on a project of this scale," added Jz. "Did they have 10 years to work on it?" "Gorgeous and highly crafted as always."

Gregory Walker agreed: "Gorgeous."

Do you like the new Ace Hotel in Toronto? Join the discussion ›

Volkswagen starts production on 1960s-informed all-electric ID Buzz van
Volkswagen starts production on 1960s-informed all-electric ID Buzz van

"Strays a little too far from the original"

Readers are debating Volkswagen's all-electric ID Buzz van, which boasts a similar look to its iconic hippie-era T1 Transporter.

"It's developed an 'almost there' aspect to it," wrote Skippies. "I'm still intrigued, but it's not 100 per cent anymore."

Steve Hassler was similarly nostalgic for the van's original design. "Wish they would have kept the exact exterior body style and just updated the guts," he said. "This strays a little too far from the original for me."

Apsco radiales questioned whether it was fit for purpose. "I don't think you'll be able to camp in the desert or near the ocean in it unless you bring in a very long extension cord!" he commented.

Do you think the new Volkswagen van stands up to its predecessor? Join the discussion ›

Comments update

Dezeen is the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page.